Oktoberfest

Categories:: Cultural
Tags:: Festivities German Liquor
Where:: World
Date change rule:: Three weekends in September, ending on the first Sunday of October
Holiday emoji:: 🍻

Oktoberfest kicks off its multi-week celebration every September, culminating on the first Sunday of October. This iconic Bavarian festival invites millions to enjoy traditional German beer, hearty food, lively music, and thrilling parades. Plan your visit, don your dirndl or lederhosen, and immerse yourself in the world’s largest folk festival.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Hero
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate

Expected Oktoberfest Deals

While official 2027 promotions are still brewing, history shows that many breweries and restaurants will roll out special Oktoberfest-themed deals. Expect major beer brands like Paulaner, Hofbräu München, and Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu to offer seasonal Märzen beers and festive merchandise. Craft breweries across the U.S., such as Samuel Adams, often release their own Oktoberfest brews with accompanying pub specials. Restaurants may feature traditional German fare like bratwurst, pretzels, and schnitzel. Look for deals at popular German eateries and even some fast-casual chains. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as October approaches.

Platform Guide for Oktoberfest

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #Oktoberfest. Film your best traditional dance moves, beer-tasting reactions, or DIY pretzel recipes.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #Oktoberfest. Share vibrant photos of your festive outfits, hearty German meals, and cheers with friends.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #Oktoberfest. Share event listings for local celebrations and invite friends to join your festivities.

Oktoberfest Hero

King Ludwig I of Bavaria

King Ludwig I of Bavaria, then Crown Prince Ludwig, married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810. The royal wedding festivities, held in Munich, included public horse races and became the genesis of Oktoberfest. His decision to invite the citizens to celebrate laid the foundation for the annual festival, transforming a private royal event into a beloved public tradition.

Oktoberfest timeline

1835

King Ludwig's popularity fuels Octoberfest

The first annual parade honoring King Ludwig becomes part of the festivities.

1913

Beer tents set up

Beer tents spring up at the festival as protection against rain and other bad weather.

1939-1945

Oktoberfest canceled

World War II forces an Oktoberfest hiatus.

2011

New beer records set

A new record is set when 7.5 million liters of beer are served at Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest FAQs

When is Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest 2026 runs from Sunday, October 4 to Wednesday, October 21. This multi-week celebration in Munich, Germany, draws millions of visitors annually.

How much beer is consumed at Oktoberfest?

During a typical Oktoberfest, revelers consume an astounding amount of beer, often exceeding 7 million liters over the course of the festival. This massive consumption highlights the event’s status as the world’s largest beer festival.

How many people attend Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest attracts an average of over 6 million visitors each year, making it one of the largest public festivals in the world. People travel from all corners of the globe to experience the unique Bavarian atmosphere.

What is the origin of Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest originated with the wedding celebration of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810. The citizens of Munich were invited to celebrate on the fields outside the city gates, which were later named ‘Theresienwiese’ in honor of the princess.

Oktoberfest Activities

Go!
A destination bucket list without Oktoberfest on it is incomplete. True revelers and Germany enthusiasts will find a way to get to Oktoberfest and soak up the Bavarian culture and, of course, the beer. Don't forget your lederhosen.
Celebrate locally
It's highly likely there's an Oktoberfest celebration happening not far from you. A craft brewery nearby might be tapping their version of Oktoberfest beer and, if so, there's a good chance it will be pretty tasty. Wearing a traditional Bavarian fedora would add a nice touch.
Beer it up!
There are 1,300 breweries in Germany brewing over 5,000 brands of beer. A lot of those beers are exported throughout the world. Head down to your local specialty liquor store to learn a little more about German beers and pick up a few to try at home.

5 Amazing Beers That'll Give You Bragging Rights Upon Returning

Pilsner — a perfectly balanced beer
Although Pilsner is a labor and time-consuming beer, it has a golden brew completely in balance so that it isn't too sweet, too bitter or too spicy.
Get hoppy with a glass of Maibock
Maibock claims to be stronger, maltier and "hoppier" than a traditional Pilsner.
Oktoberfest beer is a misnomer
Although Oktoberfest beer is a dark, aged lager with a flavor driven by yeast and malt, it's actually brewed to be consumed in September, which is when Oktoberfest takes place, rather than in October, as anyone might assume.
Rauchbier puts smoky and beer in the same sentence
Rauchbier beer is a favorite of serious beer drinkers because of its unique, smoky flavor where a large part of the malt is smoked over a wood-burning flame.
Ale plus lager equals Kölsch beer
Kölsch is a light, fruity beer brewed exclusively within the city of Cologne.

Why We Love Oktoberfest

It's quintessentially German
Oktoberfest really is all things German, from the lederhosen costumes to the oompah music to the Oktoberfest beer. You can be German for a day at Oktoberfest.
It's huge!
A Volksfest (people's fest in German) is an event that combines beer and attractions and Oktoberfest is by far the largest. Seven million people gather in Munich from around the globe and drink tons o' beer.
It started out as a wedding reception
Oktoberfest is no newfangled tourist event. It dates back to 1810 when King Ludwig decided to invite the entire city of Munich to his wedding. The king's nuptials featured a series of horse races which were repeated the following year, eventually evolving into the annual Oktoberfest.